PM and diagnostic sample submissions and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) testing at AFBI

AFBI Guidance on Post Mortem (PM) and diagnostic samples triage and submissions and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) .

Introduction

Northern Ireland has now entered the vector active period for Bluetongue Virus (BTV). As a consequence and for a limited time, testing for BTV cannot be undertaken at AFBI Laboratories. This is a legal requirement and based on the interests of protecting the immediate environment of the laboratory from potential containment risk. We are working closely with DAERA to progress licensing requirements at the laboratory with the purpose of the future provision of this important service, which will be available in the coming weeks.

If you suspect that BTV is the likely cause of disease/death/abortion, then such cases should NOT be submitted to AFBI, but should immediately be reported to DAERA (0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office), as for any notifiable disease, for further advice on investigation and consideration of other testing options.

CARCASES and ABORTION CASES 

For any Post Mortem (PM) submissions AFBI has developed a triage system whereby we continue to be able to receive carcases and abortions as usual to both PM rooms at Stormont and Omagh, where BTV is not the likely cause of disease or death. Should you have any queries then contact Stormont or Omagh PM rooms – (028)90525618/(028)82243337

BLOOD SAMPLES FOR DIAGNOSTIC OR DISEASE INVESTIGATION PURPOSES

Where BTV is suspected then such samples should NOT be submitted to AFBI at this time but should immediately be reported to DAERA (0300 200 7840 or your local DAERA Direct Regional Office), as for any notifiable disease, for further advice on investigation and consideration of other testing options.

However, where BTV is not suspected as the likely cause of disease, and where you wish to get testing done to rule out BTV, then interim arrangements are in place and such samples again should NOT be submitted to AFBI at this time but should be sent directly to DAFM labs at Backweston at the following address:

Virology Division 

Department of Agriculture, Food & Marine Laboratories 
Backweston Campus, 

Celbridge,

Co. Kildare 

W23 N9FA

IRELAND 

For trade purposes the alternative laboratories are :

Trade purposes to Scotland

1.           Pirbright – Non-vesicular disease diagnostic testing | The Pirbright Institute

2.           The 3 ROI labs in the following link - Bluetongue Virus

Trade to the EU

3.           ROI labs in the following link - Bluetongue Virus

Further details will be provided as they become available including when BTV re-licensing at AFBI has taken place.